I recently picked up a copy of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and famous Stoic.

As a philosophy minor, it is important to familiarize myself with the works of people who lived by the ancient philosophies I study. Flipping through it, I notice that Marcus Aurelius highlights the people in his life who helped shape who he was above all else. He writes about each lesson he was taught and by whom, defining the ideas that shaped him into who he was.

In Book 5, he writes, “In the morning when thou risest unwillingly, let this thought be present—I am rising to the work of a human being.” I have found that, over time, this wisdom remains true.

In October 2024, while visiting Rome, I came across pillars that remain untouched by time. It was almost as if the wisdom that reverberated through them during heated forums strengthened the stone and made them strong against the winds of change. They are a reflection of humanity’s unwavering ethical nature.

The flexibility of one’s nature is essential to its integrity, which, like the strong pillars, then resists the destruction of time. In other words, it is repeated practice that defines experience and builds adaptability.

Photo courtesy of I. Roque.

This last weekend, I made a mistake. I hurt the people I wanted to impress by misjudging my tolerance. That moment clouded my mind and temporarily impeded me from moving forward with my goals. I spent the entire rest of the weekend sleeping over at good friend’s houses, indulging in foods I haven’t touched for ages, and discovering new places around Lake Worth.

I found that, despite the mistake I had made, the greater goal I had for connecting members of my community for the welfare of its people was of greater significance.

Therefore, I made my bed in the morning. I woke up and rose to the work of a human being, which is to adapt and conquer the day. I encourage everyone to do the same and surrender their mistakes to a greater good. After all, it is what will withstand the ever-changing climate of today’s political landscape. It might even be what condemns the passing of the 287(g) agreement. The pillar of wisdom will remain.

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